Spring cleaning your job search

Spring is in full gear and it’s a great time to take a fresh look at how you are searching for jobs. If you haven’t been having much luck in your job search, perhaps it is time to throw out what’s not working and even start over.

1. Remove the clutter from your resume - It is possible to be too descriptive when describing your qualifications. We know you always show up for work on time; that kind of quality is expected and we don’t need to read that as one of your qualifications. Think about things you have done outside the norm and list those. For example, did you start a recycling program or win any awards in your last position? That is the kind of thing that will get you noticed.
2. Dust off your references - If it has been awhile since you have used any of your references, contact them to let them know you are actively searching for a position and they may be getting called. You never know, you could be calling them at the exact time they know of a job opening.
   
3. Organize your desk - Something as simple as having a clean, organized desk can help you be more productive in your day. Throw away anything you are not using and delete all of that email in your inbox that you have been hording. This way, you will have no distractions and feel energized when it is time to sit down and begin your search. Speaking of timing…
4. Clean your schedule – Searching for jobs can be overwhelming, but forcing yourself to take the time to actually do it can help you stay on track to landing the job that has been waiting for you! Schedule a time in the day when you are most alert and can dedicate a good amount of time to your search. Do not rush yourself, you may make the most common resume mistake if you are feeling pressured to finish quickly.
5. Don’t settle for “good enough” – If you’ve always thought your resume was just okay, now is the time to take it to the next level. Roll up your sleeves and get to typing. If you think that your interview skills could use a little work, now is the time to actually put the work in to make you an interview pro. It may not be easy but by upping your game in every aspect of your job search can really help you stand out in a sea of applicants.

You may be like me and only really scrub your house once a year in the spring. Or, you may be the type of person who can’t stand things to be out of place and cleans throughout the year. Regardless, this is a great time to take a fresh look at how you are searching for jobs. Summer hiring is really heating up and you will want to bring your A game to your search!